The sky was just beginning to blush with dawnlight as Liora quietly closed the door behind her, adjusting the leather strap of her travel bag across her shoulder. She glanced behind to see Tessa stepping onto the porch, stretching and yawning, her sword strapped at her side and a small pack on her back.
"You ready?" Liora asked softly.
Tessa nodded, still rubbing one eye. "Mmh. It's too early, but yeah."
Down the road, the merchant's cart, sturdy, canvas-covered, pulled by two gentle-looking draft horses, waited at the village's outer edge. The merchant, a short, stocky man named Toren, waved upon seeing them. "Right on time, ladies!"
As the two adventurers walked, Liora cast a glance back toward their home, just as a familiar figure rounded the corner.
"Mia!" she called, raising her hand.
The young tutor slowed, panting slightly as she adjusted the satchel over her shoulder. "I-I made it! Sorry, was I late?"
"Nope, just in time." Liora offered her a calm, reassuring smile. "The house is unlocked. Aria should be waking up soon, though she'll probably be sleepy for a while."
Tessa smiled at Mia. "She already likes you. You'll do fine."
Mia gave a small, nervous bow. "I'll take good care of her."
Liora reached into her pouch and handed Mia a small coin purse. "Payment for two days. If anything urgent comes up, the village head's office is closest. Aria knows the area well."
Mia tucked it away with a nod. "I'll take care of everything. Good luck on your quest."
With a final wave, Liora and Tessa turned and walked toward the waiting merchant cart, ready to begin their two-day escort through the southern trade road.
Meanwhile… Back at the House
The morning sun crept through the windowpanes as Aria sat cross-legged at the table, still in her pajamas, blinking sleepily as Mia placed a bowl of warm porridge in front of her.
"I added honey," Mia said softly, "but tell me if it's too sweet."
Aria stared for a second… then took a spoonful.
Mia watched with quiet anticipation.
Aria gave a tiny nod. "It's good. Not as good as Liora's. But still good."
Mia gave a sheepish smile. "I'll take that as a win."
After breakfast, Mia cleared the dishes and returned to the main room, where she had laid out a small stack of practice materials she'd brought with her. A beginner's alphabet sheet, a few counting stones, and a worn storybook with animal illustrations.
"Want to learn how to read the title?" Mia asked, patting the spot next to her.
Aria plopped down beside her, legs swinging again. "Do I get to pick the animal voices?"
Mia laughed. "Absolutely."
The morning passed in giggles and silly sound effects as Mia helped Aria identify letters, trace a few words, and count pebbles in groups of five. Aria's focus drifted now and then, but Mia patiently guided her back, never raising her voice or scolding.
When they took a short break in the garden, Aria offered Mia a half-crushed flower. "This is your teacher badge now."
Mia took it, eyes softening as she pinned it to her blouse. "Then I'll wear it proudly."
As evening approached, Mia made a simple stew, letting Aria help stir it while chattering about her favorite story from earlier. After dinner, the two curled up on the sitting room floor with a blanket, the storybook open again between them, this time with Mia reading aloud and Aria interrupting to add dramatic flair.
By the time the sky faded to dusk, Aria had fallen asleep on Mia's lap, soft breaths rising and falling in rhythm.
Mia didn't move. She simply looked down, brushing a few strands of hair from the little girl's face, and whispered:
"You're lucky to have her. And I think… I'm lucky to be here, too."